When Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles landed in theaters, the franchise reboot was met by mixed reactions. Fans kind of loved it, to the point it earned $245 million at the box office, but critics widely panned it as largely missed the mark.
It left an enormous amount to be desired for this writer as it failed to capture the spirit, action and pop-off-the-screen characters that the original cartoon and early movies had. News arrived of a sequel, and many uttered the word, “Why?” You can imagine our surprise when Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows arrived on screens and it did everything right that the first film did wrong.
The sequel is out now on DVD, Blu-Ray and digital download and is exactly everything we wanted from the first film. They got the joy. They got the camaraderie of the titular turtles. Heck, they got the world and landscape that these reptilian heroes live in. It was fun, thrilling, and funny and above all else, never took itself too seriously. Think we’ll get more? I’d bet on it!
No, it’s not a perfect movie, or even a popcorn movie for that matter (as you can read more of in our theatrical Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows review), but for fans of that quartet of supernatural heroes, it should bring big smiles to all.
The Heroes in a Half-Shell — Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello, and Michelangelo are back, along with April O’Neil (Megan Fox) and a new heroic sidekick named Casey Jones (Stephen Amell). The plot finds TMNT super-villain Shredder escaping incarceration as he teams up with Bebop and Rocksteady (in a characterization that is right out of the animated comics!) to try their best to take over the world. The only way the turtles can save the day is to come above ground and risk revealing their identity to the world. How will the people of New York City, and the entire planet for that matter, react? They will just have to find out because saving the day is what they are all about and the risk outweighs the potential reward.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows Blu-Ray combo pack contains 40 minutes of bonus content. It is led by ILM — The Effects Beneath the Shell. Given our love of the George Lucas founded special effects house, are you really surprised we started by spotlight them?! If you share our fandom of the FX company, prepare to be further marveled as the team behind TMTN: Out of the Shadows’ share their magic behind the movie as they illustrate how what looks natural to the naked eye on the screen is anything but natural. Witnessing the progression of visual effects as they go from planning stage to final cut is a lesson in movie making brilliance.
We also adored the chance to get inside the Turtles’ van, the centerpiece of their justice wielding efforts. With It’s Tricky: Inside the Van, the almost five minute look takes viewers inside the new vehicle that anchors our heroes heroic journey.
Why this film version works so well, and frankly the only thing that worked from the first film, was the real human actors who portray our four heroes. We Are Family is a terrific and heartwarming look at the four thespians as they show off their innate chemistry that is the key to why we cheer for them as their screen alter egos.
Also, don’t miss House Party because as you know, there ain’t nothing like a turtle party, because a turtle party don’t stop. But seriously, this look at the Turtles home base is custom made for longtime and new fans alike who want a deeper look at where the turtles come to chill when the day is safely saved.
Speaking of longtime and those new fans, don’t miss Did You Catch That? Turtle Eggs! There’s just a few Easter Eggs strewn throughout the film that are sure to catch your fancy.
Film Grade: B-
Bonus Features: B